It’s information overload everywhere, and there’s not time enough to sleep and eat and stay fully apprised of what’s happening on this crazy blue dot of ours (two out of three ain’t bad).
Here’s this week’s “Get a Grip,” rounding up top stories in sports betting and gaming, and the world of sports at large. You may have missed them, and they are worth reading. This is meant to be brief, so that’s it.
NJ Sports Betting Begins and the Most Interesting, Important Sports Betting, Gaming and Sports Stories of the Week:
Let’s start with the biggest news of the week then dive into the rest:
New Jersey sports betting is off and running! The scene at Monmouth Park in Oceanport was lively as Governor Phil Murphy (he of Murphy v NCAA fame) placed the first two legal wagers at the William Hill Race & Sports Book shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Further downstate, the Borgata Hotel & Resort became the first Atlantic City property to start punching tickets where NBA great Dr. J, aka Julius Erving (some great theater for the Association to enjoy) , bet on the Philadelphia Eagles to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
Dr. J made the first ever sports bet at Borgata today and we think you'll like his wager.https://t.co/Rb6Y41xY7L
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) June 14, 2018
The crowd gathered to watch the first bets at Borgata in Atlantic City. pic.twitter.com/1WRg2Uua8A
— Amy S. Rosenberg (@amysrosenberg) June 14, 2018
According to research firm Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, a mature New Jersey sports betting market, including online wagering, could generate $502m in annual revenue off ~$7.75 billion in handle. In comparison, Nevada did $248m in revenue off of $4.8 billion in handle in 2017
— David Payne Purdum (@DavidPurdum) June 13, 2018
The rest of the highlights and stories to read over the weekend:
HOPE FLOATS: Why New York should pass sports betting law NOW [NY Post]
TO BE CLEAR: New Jersey regulators clarify eSports betting ban [eSports Insider]
CHANGE: Alabama’s longtime hostility toward gambling shows signs of fading [NYT]
NEW WORLD: William Hill ‘inundated’ by U.S. sports teams seeking sponsorship: CEO [Reuters]
GRANDSTANDING: MLB tells Monmouth Park: Your ads are not welcome [ROI NJ]
DELUDED: PASPA author Bill Bradley is completely disconnected from sports betting reality [Nation]
UNIONS: Pro player unions want protection for athletes with legal wagering expansion [AP]
In the World of Sports At Large:
This high school pitcher chose to hug his childhood friend instead of celebrate his championship-clinching strikeout.
Story: https://t.co/omJqeRk899 pic.twitter.com/gIP5OFHTcp
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 11, 2018
Tweets of the Week:
First winning sports bet cashed at the Monmouth Park Sports Book by William Hill! pic.twitter.com/mnp0YpLhPD
— Monmouth Park (@MonmouthPark) June 14, 2018
Ladies, if you’re looking for a place that is 95 pct male, Monmouth Park sports betting windows here is that place #wheretheboysare
— John Brennan (@BergenBrennan) June 14, 2018
Best thing to happen to Jersey since The Sopranos. https://t.co/zPucSqoGPT
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) June 14, 2018
On the day of their Stanley Cup parade, the Capitals took out a full-page ad to congratulate the Golden Knights "on the most successful inaugural season in the history of professional sports."
Pure class 👏
📸: @reviewjournal pic.twitter.com/cJwKinmACV
— SB Nation (@SBNation) June 12, 2018
Videos of the Week:
Dennis Rodman is in tears on CNN right now. We are living in a simulation. pic.twitter.com/xZ4h6Y6dEO
— Barstool News Network (@BarstoolNewsN) June 12, 2018
In which Mike Francesa invents daily fantasy sports:
With legalized sports betting upon us, Mike Francesa came up with a terrific idea today. It seems that Big Mike has invented daily fantasy sports. pic.twitter.com/Qlwm3ACbYA
— Ƒunhouse (@BackAftaThis) June 13, 2018
Vladimir Putin reacts to Russia’s fifth goal against Saudi Arabia:
ICYMI at Sports Handle:
In Rhode Island, a bill explicitly forbids payment of “integrity fee” to leagues
A timeline and brief history of the “integrity fee” debate
Have a great weekend, everyone!
